In the Premier League it’s so clearly a three-horse race that the Stats Insider futures model figures there’s a 99.3% chance that this year’s title will be won by either Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea.

These three clubs have bulldozed their way through their first 15 games posting an obscene +81 goal difference between them and for the most part leaving the rest of the competition for dead. 

While the likes of West Ham, Wolves and Manchester United have all given them their best shot, no one seems to be able to get close to the pronounced powerhouses of English football. These three possess incredible world-class talent, enviable depth and mesmerising team cohesion, all of which also positions them as favourites to get their hands on the Champions League trophy as well. 

Yet we’re not here to further wax lyrically about this trio of titans but rather to speculate as to whether a composite team from the EPL’s bottom 17 would be able to gatecrash the top-3. 

For the purposes of this task we’re presuming a hypothetical match would be played tomorrow at a neutral venue. We’re also only selecting players who’ve played at least 630 minutes this season or started at least 7 games.

And let’s kick things off with a recent Tottenham capture. 

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Manager - Antonio Conte  

The fun answer would be Marcelo Bielsa, the hipster choice would be Graham Potter and the disingenuous choice would be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The obvious answer however is Antonio Conte. 

The Italian’s resume speaks for itself and his style of play is proven to work in the Premier League. If anyone can manage an underdog squad to compete with the big boys, it’s ‘The Godfather’. Because of the choice in manager, this side will play a 3-4-3 and thus the players selected will do so to fit this system. 

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Goalkeeper - Arron Ramsdale

The goalkeeper of the season. Aaron Ramsdale has saved Arsenal so many points this season and Mikel Arteta has him to thank for keeping him in a job. His commanding presence and outspoken nature can lead any backline and his superb distribution makes him an even more valuable commodity. He has the 3rd highest save percentage this season with 78.9% and has a cross stop percentage of 10.3%, ranking 6th in the Premier League. His acrobatic saves catch the eyes of the fans and his Peter Schmeichel intimidation factor is another massive addition to this side. 

Right Centre-Back - Takehiro Tomiyasu

Granted, Tomiyasu is a right back. However, in this system, he doesn’t have the attacking acumen to play as a wing-back, so slotting him as a right-sided centre half could give him a place in this team. Another Arsenal player who has played out of his skin this season, his defensive solidity has allowed the likes of Nuno Tavares and Kieran Tierney to exude a profound attacking threat. His defensive stats speak for themselves, 3.29 aerial duels won and 3.66 clearances rank in the top 6% for all defenders in Europe’s top 5 leagues. 

Central Centre-Back - Shane Duffy

Brighton have deserved everything that’s come their way this season. Despite being winless since September 12th, they have only lost twice in that period and this is partly because of their incredible defensive record. The backline that Graham Potter presides over positions Irishman Shane Duffy at its epicentre. Duffy has led his side to only conceding 16 goals this season and 1.80 goal-creating actions per 90, the 5th fewest in the League. The 3 back system allows for the central centre back to sit back and act as a sweeper which is where Duffy shines through winning 4.63 aerial duels per90, indicating he’s more than capable of being an indestructible central centre back.  

Left Centre-Back - James Tarkowski  

This man has been one of the most under-appreciated defenders in the League for several seasons. James Tarkowski, a part of an unassuming Burnley side who play solid and compact football are able to do so in large part thanks to the brilliance and reliability of their Manchester-born anchorman. This season has been no exception to his reliable excellence ranking in the top 1% for aerial duels won in the last year, with 4.90 per 90, as well as ranking in the top quarter for defenders for tackles won per 90 with 1.93. He is due a move to a big club while his stellar season earns him a place in this ficticious squad.

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Right Wing-Back - Matty Cash 

In an Aston Villa side who have heavily underperformed this season, Matty Cash has been one of the very few shining lights. While he is well-versed in playing as a full-back in a flat back 4, his attacking ability and well-known versatility can be used to full effect as he would play as a wing-back in this team. Defensively, as we all know, he is excellent exhibited through his 2.30 interceptions per 90 this year ranking in the top 7% for all full-backs. However, his 0.54 carries into the final third this season illustrates his ability to be adventurous and if given more freedom, could see him truly excel. 

Centre Midfield - Conor Gallagher 

Who thought that Conor Gallagher would have the season he is having? Crystal Palace has defied expectations this seasonand one of the main reasons is due to this young man. The Chelsea loanee has been both brilliant in attack and defence, which makes him a perfect candidate to be one of the double pivots in this system. He has the physicality and engine to track up and back all day, as well as the tactical nous to influence the game. His stats are a perfect example of this, ranking in the top 20% for blocks this year with 1.96 per 90, as well as dribbles completed and touches in the attacking third with 1.35 and 2.19 respectively. 

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Centre Midfield - Declan Rice 

The perfect midfield partner to the more adventurous Gallagher is the robust, reliable and composed Declan Rice. Somehow staying at West Ham, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, Rice hasn’t dropped his head this season. He’s instead elevated his game to that of a world-class midfielder. He would be the more defensive one in the double pivot, being able to disrupt the play and dictate the tempo. His elite season can be seen as his 3 interceptions per 90 ranks in the top 1% in the League this season, as well as his 89.9% pass completion- showing off how much of a technical player he is and one who more often than not is able to completely boss the centre of the park.

Left Wing-Back - Marc Cucurella  

The more attacking option to Cash’ more defensive solidity, Cucurella has added a completely different dynamic for Brighton this season. Being able to play both left-back and left-wing, he’s added spark and flair, as well as giving the likes of Leandro Trossard freedom to perform out of his skin this season. His 1.59 key passes this season, and 4.33 progressive passes show his attacking prowess, his 2.12 shot-creating actions per 90 this season does this also. Defensively he is no slouch either, 1.32 tackles in the midfield third and 6.98 pressures in the same area shows that he is very adept at playing this type of position and knows how to both attack and defend as a wing-back as well. 

Right Forward - Raphinha  

Leeds have massively underperformed this season however one player who can hold their head high is Raphinha. The Brazilian can be attributed to Leeds not being in a genuine relegation battle, so far serving up 6 goals and an assist while often moonlighting as Leeds’ sole attacking threat. The Brazilian usually occupies the right-hand side of Bielsa's 4-1-4-1 system, providing real width, however he has shown  dribbling ability to play on the inside as well. His 4.06 shot-creating actions per 90 and 2.15 key passes per 90 as well displays his ability to have a massive offensive impact on games. With strike partners available and in this side, he would have an even higher output to show for his brilliant work.

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Left Forward - Son Heung-Min

While Son hasn't had a truly excellent season, he’s the best Spurs player this season and has a place in this team. Arguably the best left-sided forward in the league, this ‘average’ season is still one to behold. His either-footedness allows for incredible versatility in this squad as he can drift over to the right and create another different dynamic. 6 goals and 2 assist this season illustrates his constant menace, while those numbers have been achieved in relatively minimal minutes under his new coach Antonio Conte. 3.30 shot-creating actions rank in the top 12% of Europe’s top 5 leagues for forwards this year. 

Centre Forward - Michail Antonio

The main man up front. Antonio has put his name into West Ham folklore over the last 2 seasons emerging as the club’s all-time highest Premier League scorer. The Hammer’s resurgence can be heavily attributed to Antonio becoming one of the most feared strikers in the league over the last 12 months. Strong, fast, powerful and with a fantastic eye for a goal, Anotinio is everything you want from a number 9 and some. He does his part off the ball as well, which suits Antonio Conte’s system perfectly. He has already scored 6 goals and 4 assists so far this season, and that number will grow as West Ham continue to perform like they are. Furthermore, his 2.01 key passes, displays his well-roundedness which is something Conte adores from a striker. 

So, does this side beat any of the top-3?

Well, they would give them a very good go.

If this squad was selected based on player reputation and overall quality we'd also see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and perhaps Jamie Vardy feature as well. This is arguably the team of the season so far without any players in the top 3 sides, so on merit, the majority of these players would be selected.  

If it were ever to happen, it would be a fascinating match-up, that’s for sure.

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